And Gunners boss Emery would have been happy to pitch Monreal into the derby battle despite the fact a move to his native Spain was impending, according to The Athletic .

Instead, he was left having to play Sead Kolasinac , who failed to exploit the space and opportunities presented by Tottenham having been forced to play centre-back Davinson Sanchez at right-back.

Nacho Monreal was part of Unai Emery's leadership group (Image: 2019 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)

Monreal, who was one of Emery's most trusted players and part of the manager's leadership team of 'five captains' had trained in the week leading up to the Emirates derby.

But he signed a two-year deal in San Sebastian, bringing to an end his six-and-a-half year stay in north London.

He had started all three of Arsenal's Premier League games prior to his move, but would have seen his opportunities limited with Arsenal having signed Kieran Tierney from Celtic for £26million in the summer, plus Kolasinac also providing competition.

(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Scotland international Tierney is currently recovering from a double hernia operation and is not expected back until late September, leaving Kolasinac as the first-choice left-back in the interim.

Monreal made 250 appearances for Arsenal following his arrival from Malaga in January 2013, scoring 10 goals.

He won three FA Cups and three Community Shields during his time at the Emirates.

Granit Xhaka was injured during Switzerland's against Gibraltar (Image: REUTERS)

Arsenal are away to Watford on Sunday before their Europa League Group F opener away to Eintracht Frankfurt next Thursday.